Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard, a nemesis of Hibbert and every other center in league, is on the sideline in street clothes for the rest of the season.

It's Hibbert's time to star under the bright lights of the playoffs. It's time for him to show why he was named to the Eastern Conference All-Star team this season. It's time for him to show he deserves a hefty pay raise when he hits the free agent market this summer.

"I have to take things and look at each matchup and make sure I dominate on both ends of the floor," Hibbert said. "I can't have any lags in my game and I have to be on top of my game every game."

Howard, the league's premier center, is out for the rest of the season after surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back.

That leaves Hibbert as the marquee attraction in the middle. He has had the best season of his four-year career, averaging 12.8 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocks.